Two Elon faculty Artists performed at 54 Below in New York City.
On Sept. 30 Chris Rayis, assistant professor of performing arts, and Polly Cornelius, associate professor of þ in music performed on “A Night of New Works” at the New York City venue, 54 Below.
“A Night of New Works” is a cabaret concert designed to showcase new songs and music from living, American composers. Cornelius and Rayis performed “Evening Song” by Broadway composer Chris Miller ’99, the recipient of the þ Distinguished Alumni award in 2014. Rayis also performed two of his own compositions, “Into the Ocean” and “Istra Psyche//The Rhine” with well-known singer, Eleri Ward. There were over 300 submissions for this particular show, and only a few composers were selected to feature their works.
54 Below, New York’s Broadway-themed club, is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and expand the art of the cabaret. They are committed to supporting diverse communities of emerging and established artists and to expanding their audiences. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below is affectionately known as “Broadway’s Living Room,” a home away from home for Broadway professionals and audiences alike. The club combines performances by Broadway’s best with world-class dining in an elegant setting. With a pre-theatre dinner offered nightly from 5:30pm, it has set a new culinary standard for New York City entertainment venues.